Business

The Small Business Administration estimates that approximately 550,000 new businesses open, each year, and that another 660,000 close. What’s more, only about a third of all businesses that open are expected to last to the 10-year mark. The people at CURLS, which just celebrated its 10-year mark, have learned some of the secrets to success, along the way, and what it takes to last for the long haul.

“I started out with a blueprint for what it would take to succeed in business, a full marketing and business plan,” explains Mahisha Dellinger, founder and chief executive officer of CURLS. “I also knew that I had a product that people needed."

Moroccan native and creator of EnvyDerm Cosmetics company, Nadia Smith, has now added two new products to her beauty repertoire: the spearmint Lip Volumizing and Conditioning Plumper and coconut Intensive Lip Renewal Therapy!

Ashby Ponds resident Dick Rabkin worked as a patent attorney who helped bring the Rubik’s Cube to America

(ASHBURN, VIRGINIA) – Dick Rabkin spent over 15 years working as a patent and trademark attorney for Ideal Toy Company, which manufactured and distributed toys, dolls, and games beginning with the Teddy Bear in the early 1900s. “I had toys and games all over my office,” said Rabkin. The Ideal Company’s largest competitors were Hasbro and Mattel before the company was dissolved in 1985 a few years after being purchased by CBS. Some notable toys produced by the Ideal Toy Company include Mr. Machine, Chrissy, Betsy Wetsy, the Magic 8-Ball, and the Rubik’s Cube.

Buffett and David Rubenstein, The Economic Club of Washington, DC's President, are among business leaders at 25th anniversary celebration on June 5th where 10 community organizations, including the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, received a total of $500,000 in grants

The Alexandria Seaport Foundation (ASF), which offers disadvantaged youth and young adults a paid, work-based apprentice program in boat building that prepares participants for careers in the building trades, received a $50,000 grant from The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. at its 25th anniversary on June 5th at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park.

Along with two other top designers, Marika Meyer discusses reasons to hire an interior designer

Hiring an interior designer has often been thought of as a luxury. But in reality, a designer can save you time and money.

Interior Designer Marika Meyer joined designers Barbara Hawthorn and Skip Sroka at the Washington Design Center last week to Demystify Interior Design. Moderated by WashingtonianSenior Editor Sherri Dalphonse, the discussion focused on when and why you should hire a designer.

Many people emphasize the importance of an answer to a question as opposed to the importance of the question being asked. According to Peter Drucker, well known writer and management consultant, “The most common source of mistakes in management decisions is the emphasis on finding the right answer rather than the right question.”

It makes sense…we are a society focused on the results. We focus on chase, conquer, and move on to the next goal. Often we focus on what’s not working instead of what is working. Well thought-out questions begin a quest. You get a great deal of information when you ask the right questions. With the right questions, you get a sense of awe and inspiration.